Sunday Lullaby

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Typically I don’t work on this day, other than an occasional open house for a client or a bit of online work. Sunday is devoted to self care, soul care. This overcast, wintry day allowed me to stay indoors and focus inward, finding my gratitudes in a sleepy, unhurried way as the day progressed.

Lull is a verb that means to quiet or soothe. A lullaby is a melody, sung with the intention of quieting the mind and the body. Today has been my Sunday Lullaby, crafted to nurture and refresh.

Dad Moore’s Socks

One of the things I delight in, on soulful Sundays, is that I remain in comfy clothes throughout the day. A pair of tights, a long sleeved t-shirt, and a well worn hoodie create my ensemble for the day. I don’t bother with makeup, and although I do run a brush over my hair, it stays a bit wild.

It’s too chilly to walk around the house with bare feet. However, I have the perfect solution for keeping my feet warm. While packing up the house in Arkansas, after Greg’s dad passed away, I found several packages of heavy socks. Bob Moore never opened these gifts from well meaning friends. I’m sure he was “saving” them for later.

Initially in the “donate” pile, I rescued those seven pairs of thick socks and brought them home. I think Dad Moore must laugh when he sees me wearing his socks, and feel pleased that he contributes in some way to my cozy comfort. I’m grateful for these sturdy socks that surround my feet with warmth.

A Father’s Sunday Lullaby

Dad Moore contributes to keeping my feet snug. My father, who has also crossed over in Spirit, has a role in keeping me comfortable as well.

When my dad left to undergo experimental treatment for pancreatic cancer in Texas, I sent a special blanket with him. My father loved motorcycles all his life, favoring Harley Davidsons. To keep him warm while he endured treatments that chilled him, I gifted him with a large Harley Davidson woven throw. It gave me a small measure of peace to imagine him snuggled beneath that black and gold blanket.

After his death, my stepmom allowed me to bring the throw home as a keepsake. I think of my sweet dad every time I cover up with this blanket that once covered him. It comforts me in ways that go beyond keeping me toasty. I’m grateful for this simple throw, and for the memories connected to it. Wrapped in the blanket is the closest thing to having my father’s arms around me. It was Dad’s Sunday lullaby to me today, cocooning me in his love.

Vegan Under Pressure

A pressure pot is one of those kitchen appliances that I didn’t know I needed. I’m so thankful that my daughter Adriel and son-in-law Nate gave me one for Christmas a couple of years ago!

I can create healthy, flavorful, plant based meals quickly. It perfectly steams veggies too, in minutes. Evolved way beyond the old style pressure cookers from my childhood, these pots are safe and extremely easy to use.

Chunky Red Lentil Stew

The kids gifted me with a couple of vegan pressure pot cookbooks as well. I created a warm and soothing midday meal using a favorite recipe from one of the books.

First I prepared brown rice in the pressure pot. In half the time it would take using a rice cooker, I have perfectly cooked brown rice. After moving the rice to a bowl and covering it to keep warm, I prepare the stew, hearty with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes and red lentils, and fragrant with curry and garam masala spices.

A few minutes of prep time and six minutes cooking in the pressure pot, and the stew is ready. I’m grateful for wholesome meals such as this one that nourish my body and soothe me on a gray day. Check out the recipe HERE.

A Time to Read

After everything else was completed today, in a leisurely fashion, I practiced the ultimate self care activity. I curled up with a cup of hot tea and a book…a stack of books actually.

Browsing through The Karma Chow Cookbook inspired future culinary creations. I’m learning how crucial my liver is to my health, in Liver Rescue. And I began a second read through The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life.

This Thomas Moore book is destined to lead the way for me, into 2019. I thought of the book, when it was confirmed to me that enchantment is my word and theme for next year. A quote from the book came into my awareness earlier in the week, serving as an invitation to pick up Re-Enchantment again.

Enchantment

I’ve already used a pen to mark up the introduction. I’m never quite sure where my adventures are going to take me…however, deep things, soulful things, are stirring. This book will be my initial guide into the unknown, and I am grateful for it.

Tonight it inspired the title for this post, as it created anticipation for what’s to come.

“Deep in enchantment is the experience of being lured into reverie, dreamland, by the musical charms of the enchanter. The world is a lullaby, giving us a lull in our daily activity so that the soul can come out and find its refreshment.” Thomas Moore

That’s what this day of rest is, a Sunday lullaby that creates a lull in my normal daily activities…so my soul can come out and find refreshment. I am quieted by the day’s lullaby, and wonderfully restored.